SFPD Arrest Suspect in Vandalism at French American International School

On November 17, 2015, Officers from the Northern Police District responded to the French American International School on the unit block of Oak Street regarding a vandalism. The vandalism was in the form of shapes painted on a wall in black paint. It was described as an eight pointed star with a crescent moon. Officers also located a number seven painted on the playground surface. Video surveillance obtained from the scene captured a person of interest entering the playground overnight when the school was closed. This information was distributed to all officers via a crime bulletin with a request to locate the person for further investigation.

On November 18, 2015, Officers from Park Station were on routine patrol in the area of Masonic Avenue and Fulton Street when they spotted a person matching the description given in the crime bulletin. The suspect was questioned by members of the SFPD Special Investigations Division and was identified as Edward Vanwright, 44 years old, male, transient. Vanwright was booked on misdemeanour charges of trespassing and vandalism. Vanwright has a prior conviction requiring him to register as a sex registrant, and as such, was also charged with being a sex registrant present on school grounds. Vanwright’s booking photo accompanies this press release.

Investigators have determined that there was insufficient evidence to charge Vanwright with a hate crime. The investigation did not reveal any connection to terrorism and there is no threat to the school, students, or staff.

Although an arrest has been made, anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line (415) 575-4444, or Text A Tip to TIP411 and include “SFPD” in the opening of the message.